Paranoia

This was a new one for me. Today I had some remarkable highs and lows. Highs of super productivity, and lows of not being able to get my head off of my desk.

But what was new today was paranoia.

I don’t remember experiencing this kind of paranoia before. It was as if everything and everyone was out to get me. I was looking into people’s eyes and saw anger and resentment. Closed doors meant plotting against me. Every look, every turned shoulder, every voice spoken that wasn’t abject praise I heard as loathing. And praise was manipulation.

I am a pariah. I am a leper who is unworthy to be in the presence of anyone. My touch is death, and so one and all plot to destroy me.

Paranoia.

I can’t really say I’m a fan of this twist.

I know that this is not true. I know that I am surrounded by people who love me and care for me. I know that God is merciful and that He will never abandon me to such depths, but that He travels with me through the valley of the shadow of death.

But it feels so real. So terribly, terribly real.

The hand of a friend is peace. A hug from one who cares is comfort. The love of my beloved is hope.

Even in paranoia, we are all incarnational. It is only in flesh and blood, real humanity that does not shrink from the chaos, only in that flesh and blood can healing begin.

Never underestimate the power of your humanity. It may not seem like much, but that moment of contact with the sufferer may be all that is between them and the abyss.

Time to go pray Psalm 46 and go to sleep.

Be at peace, dear brothers and sisters.

-DMR

2 thoughts on “Paranoia”

  1. Pastor,
    I say this with all sincerity, because it comes from the Source: “Fear not! Be at peace.” God is with you and the only one who wants to see your demise is the evil one. And he doesn’t count! Christ is with you. Your friends are with you as well. The Word from your mouth to my ears (every Sunday!), my typing back to your eyes: “The Lord Bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

  2. Dennis speaks the truth. Nicely said, D! Pastor, you are the Lord’s beloved, and I thank God for the gift of discernment He has given you to see what is from the evil one and what is yours in Christ. Our God hears our prayers, and loves us powerfully. May you remember that now.

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